Wednesday, June 6, 2012

For a Very Long Time

I like to send my kids home at the end of the year with as many reminders of what their first grade family meant to them as I can.  This is a pretty simple way to do just that.  I write all of their names with bubble letters on 12x18 pieces of white construction paper.  As all good teachers do, I anticipate what could go wrong and model what I want them to do instead (large writing, messy writing, and messages without signed names are typical problems).  The kids leave their names on their desks, and I send them off to write sweet notes on everyone else's.  I also give each of them a class list, so they can cross off names and keep track of which ones they've signed.  About 45 minutes later when everyone is finished, the kids get to read their messages, roll up their names, tie them up with ribbon, and hopefully keep them for a very long time.


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16 comments:

  1. This is a fabulous idea! My kinders signed their 'autographs' in their memory books. I may use your idea next year--the last day of school is filled with hours of unplanned time!

    I'm hoping to hop in on Saturday Sayings! Another fab idea :-)
    ReadWriteSing

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    1. Thanks Chrissy. We do autograph books as well, but this adds a different twist to things. Are you interested in joining me for Saturday Sayings? I'd love the company. Just let me know.

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  2. I am sure your students love this! And the parents! They can go back years later and read what everyone wrote about them. Sweet!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, they do love it. They enjoy the notes I leave them too. I hope they keep them for a while!

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  3. I love this idea. I'm all over it! Thanks, Tammy.

    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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    1. You're welcome Barbara. Thank you for reading my blog!

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  4. What a sweet idea!! I hope their parents put them in a safe place. At the beginning of the school year, I like to make bubble letter names for my kids to decorate. I hang them on the side of their desks, so whoever walks in our classroom can see their names immediately. I also have nameplates on top of their desks, but the bubble letter names really stand out.
    Connie:)
    welcome to first grade room 5

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    1. Connie, there's something special about bubble letter names huh? The kids sure do think so.

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  5. I love that idea!! Such a cute & different idea. Thanks for sharing Tammy!

    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

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    1. Lisa, you're very welcome. Thanks you for coming by. I enjoy your comments!

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  6. I love this idea! I did something similar my first year of teaching and I know I certainly treasure the one my kiddos made for me to this day!
    Lisa
    Stories From Second

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    1. Lisa, thank you. The notes they write are definitely worth treasuring.

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  7. That is a cool idea, I'll have to save it for next year. This summer I'm going to try to get on and leave more comments like you suggested. I was so swamped at the end of the year, I didn't post or comment. Thanks for the encouragement. : )

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  8. Thanks Kelly. Being swamped is quite understandable!

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  9. Aw, such a sweet idea! thanks for sharing.

    I'm your newest follower.

    Maria
    Kinder-Craze

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    1. Maria, thank you for coming by. I love every new follower! I'll be on my way to your blog soon!

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